Senator Raj Mukherji Leads Legislative Effort to Make New Jersey a Leader in AI

JERSEY CITY, NJ - Jersey City’s State Senator, Raj Mukherji, was behind a piece of legislation signed into law earlier this week that will establish the Next New Jersey program. Enacted by Governor Phil Murphy, the program seeks to attract new investment into the state’s artificial intelligence (AI) industry, creating new jobs and economic opportunities.

According to a statement, the program will unlock access to capital for New Jersey’s innovators and entrepreneurs and ensure they have access to the infrastructure necessary to make new, cutting-edge developments, which will position the state as a national leader in the industry.

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“From life-saving healthcare breakthroughs to traffic jams, artificial intelligence will touch every aspect of our daily lives,” Mukherji (D-Hudson), a former information technology CEO, said. “Through the responsible incentives in the Next New Jersey legislation, we are cementing New Jersey’s place at the forefront of technological advancement and economic competitiveness as we tap into the transformative potential of AI. Through job creation, catalyzing innovation, and empowering our higher education institutions, we will see incredible return on our investment.”

Murphy has sought to cast New Jersey at the forefront of the growth of the AI industry, including by facilitating a partnership with Princeton University to develop an AI Hub , which will advance New Jersey’s leadership in the field and catalyze innovation in AI technologies. Prior to that the Governor established the AI Task Force , charged with studying emerging AI technologies and its societal impacts.

“AI has already started to revolutionize our everyday lives, and New Jersey is capitalizing on this moment to ensure we establish ourselves as a frontrunner in generative AI innovation,” Murphy said. “The creation of this program will support the growth of AI-related businesses, which could lead to scientific breakthroughs and lifesaving discoveries right in our backyard. AI will be a transformative industry that will change lives and grow our economy and New Jersey is ready to take the lead.”

Through the Next New Jersey Program, administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) , eligible businesses that are engaged in artificial intelligence work or large-scale artificial intelligence data centers will be awarded tax credits. Artificial intelligence related activities could include developing new algorithms and techniques, such as machine learning and natural language processing; creating AI-powered software and hardware products, including for medical modeling; and developing AI chatbots for customer service.

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The legislation was shepherded through the New Jersey General Assembly by Assemblyman Chris Tully (D-Bergen) who said at the bill’s signing that the program “is a bold step forward in making our state a leading hub for the rapidly evolving AI industry and ensure we continue building a prosperous and innovative future for all of New Jersey.”

“The Next New Jersey Program will build upon the Garden State’s longstanding legacy in innovation and drive the state’s prominence in the rapidly growing AI industry, and create a strategic advantage for our innovators,”  NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan, said. “AI presents an opportunity for new industry development in the state, good-paying jobs for our residents, and a stronger and more diverse economy for the next generation.”

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